The push and pull between Fernando Alonso and Alpine had been going on for too long. The Asturian asked for at least two years of contract, Alpine offered one, with his thoughts turned to Oscar Piastri for the future. And that’s how Fernando Alonso made the move that broke the cards: this morning Aston Martin Racing announced the signing of Fernando Alonso.
Lawrence Stroll’s team has confirmed the agreement with the 2-time world champion, now under Alpine, which will be multi-year, that is, meeting Fernando’s needs and requests. He wanted a multi-year contract and he got it.
Fernando will take over from Sebastian Vettel. The German announced his retirement from Formula 1 last weekend after 15 F1 seasons. He will leave the Circus world champion at the end of the season, thus leaving his seat to Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard will become Lance Stroll’s new teammate.
An important acquisition for Aston Martin, because after having lost its famous driver – Sebastian Vettel – it will be able to replace him with a driver who, if possible, will have even more sounding board and will have a face that can also be used commercially.
“Aston Martin clearly applies the energy and commitment needed to win, and is therefore one of the most interesting teams in Formula One today,” said Fernando Alonso after announcing his arrival at Aston Martin from 2023.
“I have known Lawrence and Lance for many years and it is evident that they have the ambition and passion to succeed in Formula One. I have observed how the team has systematically attracted people of great depth and a winning pedigree, and I have realized the huge commitment to Silverstone’s new facilities and resources “.
Fernando Alonso, Alpine F1 Team
Photo by: Carl Bingham / Motorsport Images
“Nobody in Formula One today is showing a broader vision and an absolute commitment to win, and that makes the opportunity really exciting for me. I still have the hunger and ambition to fight to stay ahead and I want to be part of a ‘ organization that is committed to learning, developing and succeeding “.
“We are all aware that there is a lot to do to get to the front line and that we must use all our energy to work together in pursuit of performance.”
“The passion and desire to perform that I have witnessed convince me to keep my fun and commitment in this sport. I intend to win again in this sport and therefore I have to take the opportunities that seem right to me.”
Lawrence Stroll, president of Aston Martin, added: “I have known and admired Fernando for many years and it has always been clear that he is a committed winner like me. I have decided to bring together the best people and develop the right resources and organization to be successful in this highly competitive sport, and these plans are now taking shape at Silverstone. “
“It therefore seemed natural to me to invite Fernando to be part of the development of a winning team, and in our recent conversations we quickly established that we have the same ambitions and the same values, and it was logical and easy to confirm our willingness to work together.” .
This opens up a new market scenario, which immediately sees Oscar Piastri a great protagonist. Alpine must now run for cover and choose the rider who will have to work alongside Esteban Ocon – renewed a few months ago with a multi-year contract – having to do without the help of an experienced and talented driver of the caliber of Alonso.
That’s not all, because Alonso’s choice could also have repercussions on the Williams driver market. The Grove team was among the teams interested in taking Piastri for 2023. If Alpine decides to get him immediately behind the wheel of the A523, it will force Williams to fall back on another driver to join Alexander Albon.
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